Cheyenne Hold Annual Sand Creek Spiritual Run

By Craig Moore

Approximately 60 people gathered at the site of the Sand Creek Massacre on Thursday morning, November 23 for the 8th Annual Northern Cheyenne Sand Creek Massacre Spiritual Healing Run. Several dozen runners were joined by Cheyenne elders and others who came to help commemorate the 142nd Anniversary of the Sand Creek Massacre.

Prior to starting, the runners were reminded about the event’s spiritual, rather than competitive purposes. Steve Brady, Cheyenne Crazy Dog Headsman, instructed the runners. A powerful message of healing and cultural awareness was delivered.

The runners followed dirt roads from the site to the Eads High School. Here, everyone, including the runners, enjoyed a delicious meal. Later, the runners, elders, and other participants headed north towards Denver. At the state’s capital city, the run continued with various events, including an honoring ceremony at the Riverside Cemetery and a reception at the Colorado Historical Society.

The Northern Cheyenne Tribe and the National Park Service would like to thank the following people, without whose efforts, activities at the site as well as the meal would not have been possible. Eads High School and Daryll Adamson for use of facilities, Heritage Farms for their gracious donation of pork, Dan and Jan Richards for set-up and food preparations, Jeff Campbell for set-up, cooking, and clean-up, and Jeanne Sorensen and Chris Sorensen for their overall support.

Events in Denver were sponsored by, among others, the Mayor’s Office for Human Rights and Community Relations, the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Indian Center, and the Colorado History Museum.

For additional information about the run or other news concerning the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site, please contact the NPS at (719) 438-5916 or (719) 383-5051.

Photos courtesy of NPS